ACTION-PACKED NIGHT AT LIMERICK AS ‘TIME’ CLUB DERBY HEATS CONTINUE

Peter Farrell

The opening twelve heats of the TIME Club Graders Derby concluded at Limerick Greyhound Stadium last night, however another twelve opening-round heats dominate tonight’s card as the competition continues to gather momentum.

Heat 13 - The second part of round one kicks off with heat thirteen and Drombeg Milo is selected for Evan McAuliffe. The son of Run Happy takes a notable drop in grade for this contest and retains plenty of ability. Nicely housed in trap two, he looks capable of making the most of the draw. Garran Delta is another of interest after posting a smart 29.28 on debut around Cork and could play a significant role.

Heat 14 - Liam Peacock arrives in fine form following his recent Select Stakes success at Waterford and is represented here by Bogger Bert. The homebred tracker drops in grade in this contest and, if reproducing his best Thurles and Kilkenny form, can claim a seventh career success. Harlequin Dahlia looks the chief threat after catching the eye in defeat around Lifford.

Heat 15 - This looks a particularly open affair, but Gortkelly Bart shaped with enough promise in defeat at Kilkenny to suggest he can make a bold bid here. The September pup is open to plenty of improvement for Andrew Murray and appears well drawn in trap two. Kevinsfort Kid also enters calculations after staying on strongly to finish second last time out.

Heat 16 - Ballymac Agatha arrives on the back of a two-bend victory around Tralee and looks certain to appreciate stepping up to a more galloping circuit. The well-bred daughter of the incredible Ballymac Ariel displayed a strong finishing effort on that occasion and could be a smart prospect in the making. Drawn in six, she can prove the standard for the Kerry handler.

Heat 17 - Liam Dowling is represented by Ballymac Edith in heat seventeen and she is likely to start favourite. Drawn in trap five, she already has two sprint victories to her name and has attracted strong market support on several occasions. However, Drombeg Bucko is unbeaten in two starts and looks a serious rival after showing ability around Galway for Evan McAuliffe.

Heat 18 - There is no shortage of strong kennel representation in heat eighteen and Overreacted is a particularly interesting contender. The daughter of Droopys Sydney and the brilliant Droopys Mandolin remains winless after two starts, but her qualifying trials suggest considerable ability and she is one to watch closely from trap four.

Heat 19 - Maree Solano impressed when winning on debut around Limerick in 29.22 and looks capable of following up in heat nineteen. The daughter of Magical Bale also ran with credit over the sprint trip at Galway last time and appears ideally housed in trap six. Callaway Elk and Sets Inthe City look the main dangers.

Heat 20 - Amazing Power may be capable of much better than his current form suggests. John Kennedy’s youngster has shown promise in trials, including a sharp 16.69 effort around Kilkenny, and this looks a suitable introduction to graded company. Kingdom Galaxy also appeals after a smart 29.28 debut performance for Michael Walsh and James O’Regan.

Heat 21 - Petulance boasts a career-best 28.90 around Clonmel and, with just six starts to his name, improvement is likely. Adam Dunford’s blue brindle-and-white runner has dropped in grade and should be well suited by the wide draw in six. Harlequin Zippy looks the main threat following a comfortable A8 success last time out.

Heat 22 - Glideaway Melody stands out in this contest for Thomas O’Donoghue. Her trial form has been particularly impressive, notably a fast 16.53 around Kilkenny, while her recent 29.59 effort in defeat also reads well. Eimears Lady is another interesting entry, making the long journey from Tyrone for Brian Robinson. That in itself could be a clue for value punters.

Heat 23 - Magical Grayson looks the one to side with in the penultimate heat of the evening. Pat Guilfoyle’s runner posted a smart 29.23 on debut despite coming from off the pace, suggesting there is plenty more to come. Shallee Bundee has solid Thurles form and rates the main danger.

Heat 24 - The final heat of the opening round features several experienced campaigners, including Ballygur Pookie and Hello Oppy, who boast almost 140 starts between them. However, Daleroad Decade gets the vote for John and Sean Og O’Keeffe. Although improvement is required on her recent Tralee trial, her record of ten wins from twenty-one starts highlights her proven ability.